Fund raising for new charity boat

Published: Monday, 24 June 2019

FUND raising is now underway by Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Enterprises for a passenger boat for the Grand Union Canal.

john bunyanFollowing six very successful seasons on the River Great Ouse at Bedford with the John Bunyan the charity is looking to run a passenger trip boat on the Grand Union based at the new Campbell Wharf Marina.

Expand fund raising

Graham Mabbutt, Interim Chairman of the Enterprise Board that runs the John Bunyan cruises on behalf of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust explains:

“It is now time for us to expand our fund raising activities for the B&MK Waterway Park and having successfully run cruises at one end of the proposed waterway it is now time we started running cruises at the opposite end of the proposed waterway at Milton Keynes.

“We already have a sponsor that will help us float a boat on the Grand Union at Milton Keynes next Spring, so we are looking for a passenger trip boat that may be available. In the short term we are looking for a narrowboat with a front open deck, and inside saloon for 12 people plus a toilet, galley area with a side hatch and if possible, an access lift/entry for people with disabilities. In the longer term we may well have a purpose build narrowboat with a larger capacity”

Carried over 40,000 passengers

The John Bunyan Boat was launched at Priory Marina, Bedford on the 5th July 2013 and since that date has carried over 40,000 passengers. It runs over 160 cruises a season, a mixture of public cruises, special cruises such as Jazz, Motown, Afternoon Tea & Lunch cruises, Fish & Chip Suppers plus charter cruises for celebrations, family parties, wedding cruises, local organisations, local companies, schools and youth groups.

Graham Mabbutt can be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.